Automation Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Automation Technician / Automation Engineer
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Employment Type: Long-term contract through December 2028
Education: No specific degree required
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automation Technician / Automation Engineer to support a manufacturing facility in the Tuscaloosa, AL area. This position will focus on maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting plant automation and controls systems to help keep manufacturing equipment operating safely and efficiently.
The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of hands-on industrial automation or controls experience, particularly with Allen-Bradley PLCs, drives, motor controls, servers, and equipment troubleshooting.
A specific degree or educational background is not required. Hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and the ability to independently troubleshoot automation issues are the primary considerations.
Key Responsibilities
Troubleshoot and support Allen-Bradley PLC and automation systems
Diagnose PLC, controls, electrical, drive, and equipment-related issues
Troubleshoot, configure, and support industrial drives/VFDs
Work with both small and large horsepower motor applications
Support plant servers and automation-related computer systems
Read and interpret PLC logic to identify equipment and process issues
Assist with PLC programming, modifications, and system improvements as needed
Troubleshoot equipment downtime and determine root causes of controls-related failures
Provide technical support to maintenance, operations, and other plant personnel
Respond to automation and controls issues during designated on-call hours
Document system changes, troubleshooting findings, and repairs
Help maintain the reliability and availability of critical manufacturing equipment

Required Qualifications
3+ years of automation, controls, electrical, or industrial manufacturing experience
Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLC systems
Strong PLC troubleshooting capabilities
Experience working with industrial drives/VFDs
Experience supporting small and/or large horsepower motors and motor controls
Familiarity with industrial servers and computer-based control systems
Strong electrical and controls troubleshooting skills
Ability to independently diagnose equipment and automation problems
Comfortable working in an active manufacturing/production environment
Ability to provide occasional after-hours support

Schedule & On-Call Expectations
The position offers flexibility around the individual's regular schedule and total working hours. However, the individual will need to remain available for technical support during their designated coverage hours.
There is also an after-hours on-call component. Candidates should anticipate the possibility of an after-hours support call approximately once per week, depending on plant needs.